I’m just getting back from a week of renewal. A week of resting, and being filled. We were so blessed to be able to spend some time in a beautiful place, right on the Florida River in Colorado.
I would wake up to the brisk air coming in our open windows, and snuggle deeper under the covers as long as possible. Yes, Colorado nights are cold in August! I took my coffee outside and sat on our porch. The roar of the river was loud, but very soothing. I took out my Bible and journal. My devotional for this day included these verses:
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalm 103: 1-5 (ESV)
I knew that this trip would be about renewal. Renewal for me physically, renewal with my husband, and renewal with God. I spent unhurried time in God’s word, in prayer, and in counting gifts.
When I looked up the word, renewal, I loved some of the definitions:
to restore or replenish.
to make, say, or do again.
to revive; reestablish.
to recover (youth, strength, etc.).
to restore to a former state; make new or as if new again.
It struck me that this is what God does for us.
He renews us. He restores us. He revives us. He recovers us.
This is exactly what God did for me during our week in Colorado. My days were spent relaxing, drinking lots of hot coffee, watching my husband fly fish, and reading for leisure.
I slowed down, rested in Him, and He made me new.
Now I know that it’s not possible to escape to Colorado on a regular basis (at least not for me). I am now determined to make space for God’s renewal in my regular life. I want to take advantage of the quiet moments and escape to our hammock with my Bible. Or I might even set my alarm to wake up early (I know I know) to watch the sunrise. I believe that if I ask God to show me ways to rest in Him, He will be faithful and provide.
How do you all find ways to rest in God? I would love your ideas!